Why? O Why?

     Why do good things happen to bad people?

     Oh I know, we usually turn that around and ask why bad things happen to good

people.  But the question is appropriate either way.  We are so messed up these

days we really don't even know how to ask appropriate questions.  We need to be

very careful as to who we call good or bad.  The Bible says:  "Woe unto them that

call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness;  Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!"  (Isaiah 5:20-21)

Jesus said very clearly "there is none good but God".   We are all sinners and as such evil and corrupt. 

     However, when God is given control of our life, a dramatic and miraculous change takes place.  Children of wrath (us) can be transformed into children of peace and light.  As God lives and works in us we become - well - the Bible calls us "saints", meaning  "holy ones".  This is a change so complete and overwhelming that it becomes the greatest evidence of God's power and existence.  This is why when something bad happens to a person like that we wonder.

     I have thought of these things recently because my mother, who turns 87 in two days, is one of those who has lived a faithful life for God.  She has been completely Godly - unselfish in her daily life.  A devoted mother and wife, she taught by precept and example.  We, and anyone else who came into her influence, could see the love of Jesus and the joy of service in everything she did.  My Dad has always told her and anyone else he could how much she has helped and blessed him in his life and work.  Her spirit is still sweet and positive even though three strokes have left her mostly blind and unable to articulate her thoughts.  So the question "why" does come to mind.

      I believe God has blessed me with some insights.  "And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels;"   (Malachi 3:17)  God loves Jewels.  Not the kind we often use to try and decorate our poor mortal bodies with, but the inner beauty that shines from the inside and makes everything else seem new.  Satan is allowed to do his work so we can see his hateful, evil destructiveness and run from him.  Meanwhile the contrasting glory of the work of God in a person's heart shows the effects of God and the power of His transforming grace.  It is evidence that cannot be controverted.  Wonder O heavens!  Be astonished O earth!  May the power of God's love dwell in and transform us all. 

     Stated another way, the good power of God changes sinners into saints.  Good things do happen to bad people.  Praise be to God for that!

A Parable

     Once upon a time there was a man walking along a street.  This man was not well.  His eyes were red and puffy.  His nose was dripping, his breathing could better be called wheezing.  His heartbeat was irregular;  at times rapid, with palpitations he could feel, then missing beats altogether.  At times he stumbled and would weave from side to side.  He would stop occasionally with a fit of coughing that would bring up blood.  His ears were blocked with waxy buildup.  It was obvious he had not seen a bath or shower, not even a washcloth cleansing for some time.

     A tall commanding man met our friend as he was bent over vomiting.  He placed his hand upon the man's shoulder and offered his own hanky for the man to wipe his blood-tinged spittle.  In a quiet but authoritative voice he introduced himself as a physician.  Our friend didn't know it but this was a physician known worldwide for the amazing cures people had experienced under his care.

     The physician told of the treatment the man could receive free of charge.  "I have a facility with skilled nurses" he said, "that I have personally trained."  He told of the various simple treatments available and the amazing cures others had received.  But the sick man said:  "no, I have been taking some pills that I have been told will help me feel better, and I am on my way to get more."  The physician urged the sick man to let him oversee his recovery, assuring him that his treatment would get at the source of his disease, not just mask the symptoms.  

     The ending is not written.  It depends on your response. God's Word says we are all "sick unto death".  From the top of our head down to the sole of our foot we are nothing but wounds, puss filled sores that contaminate everything we touch.  (Isaiah 1:5-6)

Think of "flesh eating bacteria", HIV/AIDS, our soul sickness is worse, and incurable by any earthly medicine or vaccine - except one.

     The Great Physician is Jesus Christ.  Only His treatment can get at the root of our disease.  If we will humble ourselves to accept and follow His directions then we can be cured.  Cured so the disease will never recur again.  The key word is humble.  We cannot alter a single ingredient in our Physician's medicine.  We cannot change or skip a single step in God's prescription.  

     Proverbs 4:20-22  "My son, attend to my words; Incline thine ear unto my sayings.  Let them not depart from thine eyes; Keep them in the midst of thy heart.  For they are life unto those that find them, And health to all their flesh."  

Proverbs 3:7-8  "Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones."